Nulkaba netballer Claudia Russell was named Cessnock City Sportsperson of the Year at the gala presentation evening at Cessnock Supporters Club on Friday night.
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Claudia was unable to attend the awards night as she flew out to Darwin yesterday for the Australian 19-and-under netball championships.
The 18-year-old is the vice-captain of the NSW team that started the championships with a 41-21 win over Western Australia on Monday.
Claudia also made her debut in the Australian Netball League (the second-tier competition to the ANZ Championship) with the NSW Waratahs last year.
She said it was a real honour to receive the award.
“It feels extra special as it’s nice for a female-orientated sport like netball can be recognised,” Claudia said.
“It feels great that my hard work can be recognised in this small way, and the timing of the award has certainly given me extra confidence while in Darwin contesting the 19-and-under National Netball Championships.
“I’m really thankful for this award, and hope that I can continue to improve in netball.”
A senior achievement award was presented to Olympic pistol shooter Daniel Repacholi (also of Nulkaba).
The junior winner was national under-16 javelin champion Matt Rees, while junior achievement awards were presented to archer Ella Hugo and water polo players Hannah Phillips and Jake Robinson.
East Cessnock Bowling Club’s men’s No. 1 pennant side was named team of the year while Cessnock Netball’s under-17 rep side was recognised as junior team of the year.
Cessnock District Cricket Association president Robert Stapleford received the administrator of the year award.
Special awards were presented to father-daughter clay target shooting champions Tom and Taylah Turner and the Abermain Hawks Rugby League Club in recognition of its centenary.
The guest speaker was Keith Onslow, who entertained the crowd with stories of his involvement in Rugby League over the past 25 years.
All nominees who weren’t able to attend the night are able to pick up their certificates from the Advertiser office at 155 Vincent Street, Cessnock.
Nominations are now open for the 2013 awards; phone The Advertiser on 4990 1244 for more information.
View our gallery from the night here.
